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Allardyce: ‘Diabolical’ Premier League schedule harming cup

Sunderland manager Sam Allardyce believes the Premier League are “flogging” footballers and harming the FA Cup.

The relegation-threatened Black Cats head to Arsenal in the FA Cup this weekend, with Allardyce promising to make changes to his side ahead of a crucial Premier League clash at Swansea on Wednesday.

“If the Premier League decides to put a stupid fixture midweek when they don’t bloody need to, then I haven’t got much choice,” he told a number of national newspapers.

Sunderland remain in the relegation zone despite Saturday’s win over Aston Villa, with the trip to Swansea – two points and places above them – a significant one.

Allardyce has been further angered by that game being moved back from Tuesday to Wednesday at Swansea’s request, giving Sunderland a slim turnaround before a lunchtime appointment with Tottenham on Saturday.

“It’s diabolical,” he added. “We’re flogging the lads.

“There are more and more injuries every year but it’s completely ignored by the Premier League. It’s unbelievable. If you want us to respect the FA Cup, don’t put Premier League fixtures in the midweek just after new year.

“Don’t give me stick when I change the side at Arsenal. Give the Premier League stick, not the managers. It’s a game to be enjoyed, not a game to be destroyed and we destroy the game by asking the players to do too much in this period.”

He added: “Making me play Wednesday and Saturday rather than Tuesday and Saturday is making it harder for me to get Premier League points.”

Swansea have offered to cover the costs of the Sunderland fans who had already booked to travel on the Tuesday, but Allardyce said: “The Premier League told the fans they’ll get their expenses back. But what a load of b*******.

“I’m concerned with the fans who have booked their travel up and spent their money; will they get all of that back or won’t they?”